The Smile I Usually Wear is Not False

By Joan Praver—Board Member

The look on my face is not a façade. Sometimes I wish I could hide my true feelings but somehow over the years, much to my chagrin, I’ve become totally transparent.  I no longer can fake a smile, a frown, or tears.  How I react to my emotions is not an act performed for the public to believe.  Perhaps it is less important at my age than when I worked at trying to sell a product or made a speech attempting to convince someone to make a donation of money to a cause I believe worthy of his or her support, but in my senior years my face gives my sincerity away.  I stand before the congregation of Beit T’Shuvah on Shabbos giving reasons why they need to become members to our unusual Synagogue, why the residents and their parents are spiritually uplifted and feel the warmth of welcome to new members to the House, the joy of singing with the choir, the musical accompaniment and the uplifting delivery of the night’s sermon.  I never even try to cover my passion because I can’t.  It is all a part of why after 14 years, my husband and I still attend most every week.

We may be weary from the week’s responsibilities when we arrive, but when we go home after the Service; he too cannot cover the smile on his face.